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Nike+ Accelerator companies make pitches to investors

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Stefan Olander, Nike vice president of digital sport, introduces the Nike+ Accelerator program today at the Tiger Woods Center. Colorado-based TechStars assisted in the three-month development program
(Mike Rogoway / The Oregonian)

Nike today hosted the first of two demo days for its Nike+
Accelerator program powered by TechStars. The event marked the latest example
of the shoe and apparel company bring high-tech into the fold.

About 770 people filled an auditorium in the Tiger Woods
Center. The audience included angel investors, venture capitalists, industry
leaders and Nike executives including CEO Mark Parker.

The 10 startup companies pitched their business plans to the
audience, meeting after the main presentation for one-on-one meetings with
potential investors. The products were developed over the past three months at
a common, Nike-leased in the Pearl District.

"The young consumers today expect Nike to do more than just
motivate," Stefan Olander, Nike vice president for digital sport, said in his
introductory remarks. "They're saying,...bring me the tools to help me get
better."